An intelligent optimization probability imaging method based on ultrasonic guided waves for rim-driven thruster protective layer damage detection

Abstract The propagation characteristics of ultrasonic guided waves within the rim-driven thruster (RDT) protective layer are more complex due to its anisotropic nature, resulting in low accuracy in damage detection using traditional imaging methods. Therefore, an intelligent optimization probability damage imaging method based on guided waves is proposed. First, a different probability of an individual is given by comparing the differences in the travel time of the individual with the travel time of the scattered signal. The total probability for the individual is derived by superimposing all paths, which serves as the fitness function. Subsequently, the individual with the highest fitness value is iteratively searched by the intelligent optimization algorithm. Finally, the optimized population distribution is considered as the damage location. The experimental results indicate that this method achieves a higher signal-to-noise ratio and detection accuracy compared to other approaches.